It is about the dancing, but it is still about being thrilled and entertained by the performance. I have voted for Cola up until now, but I won't vote in the final for either couple unless I feel inspired to do so.

I had no intention of voting in last year's final, but after T&C did their show dance I picked up the phone and voted for them.

I hope I feel the urge to vote next week!

There's a thread somewere laying out why Darren isn't comparable to Chris. Darren was closer to the top 2 and had beaten them. No one lse was close to the top 2.

Chris has a losing record against Nathalie, Phil, Zoe, Jade, Ricky and Ali in terms of weeks where he did worse than them and his marks don't get him that much higher in earlier series either.

Its worse than Matt v Mark too which was also a mismatch with Emma not even there. At least Matt could do some dances very well and could beat Mark at some.

This one is like series 1 with even more places jumped and someone funnier of about the ability level of James Martin or John Barnes about to win. They might as well not bother having any girls next year or have two series with one for females so one can actually reach the final.

My memory isn't the best but from what I remember I'd agree with you. I would even think that Colin was as good as Ricky performance-wise.

I understand that I guess with me it's about the dancing thrilling and entertaining me. Personality is a bonus. It never comes above the dancing for me. The only couple in all of SCD that had it all was Alesha & Matthew - they happened to have the best dancing ability, the fun element and the chemistry. They were the whole package. But even if they hadn't had fun, been ridiculously adorable and had oodles of chemistry, I would have wanted them to win because they were the best dancers.

I hope everyone is as open minded as you next week. It seems people have already made up their minds without seeing any of the dances. I am perfectly happy to admit that if a miracle happens and Chris fixes his hands, his shoulders, his hold and his face by next week and Ricky loses his technical superiority and grace, I would vote for Chris & Ola. I don't have favourites - I vote for the best dancers.

My reservations about Colin's performance skills were a bit superificial/shallow (based on his looks/mannerisms), so I don't think I can be as objective/dispassionate as some people.

I could never buy into Colin's performances in the way that I could with Mark Ramprakash or Matt DA (and it's got nothing with do with Colin's sexuality!)

I think some people's looks/mannerisms (attitude or whatever) suit dancing more than others; for example, I think Matt Cutler has a presence that some of the other professionals just don't have.

I've likened Chris to Darren from the early weeks,even the problems with his hands are the very same that Darren encountered....Chris can dance just as well as Darren,maybe a little better, but standards are much higher now,and I can't imagine Darren pulling off the charleston as well as Chris.
Every year a winner is chosen for different reasons,Chris is totally out of his comfort zone,not an actor,but he gives a performance and entertains every single week,and I have really enjoyed watching him and Ola week after week,they have put on some magical performances.
I will unashamedly be voting for them,as usual,but should Ricky win I will be the first to congratulate them,it will be the public's choice.
This is a show that requires more than dancing,it's about a partnership,and progression, and when it comes to progression Chris is the most improved..It's all about bringing something magical to the dance floor,and Cola have given this in abundance...Chris has never moaned ,whinged, played for the sympathy vote,just got on with the job and most of all enjoyed the experience,and yes he is now a dancer ,and fully deserves his place in the final,and I'd love to see him and Ola lift that glitterball.

Ellie

This is all opinion but I couldn't possibly disagree more. He started off adequate and hasn't improved at all. The judges said it tonight - they told him about his hands in week 1 and he hasn't attempted once to fix it. He hasn't improved. He's stagnant. If he had been fabulous to begin with, I wouldn't have a problem with him winning. All the journey bollocks drives me batty. But he isn't wonderful. He's OK. That to me is nowhere near enough for him to deserve to win. I also don't see the chemistry between Chris & Ola, probably because I see as much sincerity in Chris as I do in Gordon Brown. I could see why Darren Gough won, I could see why Mark Ramprahkash won - even though IMO they were not the best dancers, they were in the top two or three in their series. But Chris to me is maybe the 6th best dancer this year, based on pure talent. I cannot see where people get the Chris love from because I base my opinion on the dancing and nothing more - not the VTs or the interviews or how many catchphrases someone can come up with.

I don't mean to sound insulting and if I do I apologise. I just get frustrated when people go to a carrot judging contest and decide the winner because of the plate it's sitting on.

Hey Buddy - how are you?

Hope you're recovering well after surgery.

I think Chris has been favourite for just long enough for the tide to turn in time for next weekend. I also feel the same about the X-Factor where Olly could defeat Joe. The public get fed up of being told that so-and-so is definitely going to win.

difference with Darren Gough is he was a better dancer than Chris - I have enjoyed Cola alot but think the semi should have been it

Welcome to our world lol! Same thing happend to me last year when Tom won! Rachel, Lisa and Austin were all better than than him for christ sake.

It was far less clear cut on ability last year. Rachel may have clearly had the nod on technique and the other two may have just about shaded the average score over the course of the series but it was close enough for arguments about subjectivity. With Chris there's no such argument so the reasons for voting for him are more esoteric.

What utter rubbish! Sit for a moment and watch some of Chris Parkers routines Chris Hollins can dance, ok so his facial expressions are a bit of a letdown but the man can dance!